Conakry | Define Conakry at Dictionary.com Conakry [French kaw-na-kree] /French kɔ naˈkri/ Spell a seaport in and the capital of Guinea, in NW Africa. Guinea a coastal region in W Africa, extending from the Gambia River to the Gabon estuary. 2. Formerly French Guinea . an independent republic in W Africa, on the Atlantic coast. About 96,900 sq. mi. (251,000 sq. km). Capital: Conakry. 3. Gulf of, a part of the Atlantic Ocean that projects into the W coast of Africa and extends from the Ivory Coast to Gabon. 4. (lowercase) a former money of account of the United Kingdom, equal to 21 shillings: still often used in quoting fees or prices. 5. (lowercase) a gold coin of Great Britain issued from 1663 to 1813, with a nominal value of 20 shillings. 6. (lowercase) Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a person of Italian birth or descent. 7.

(lowercase) Horse Racing. a person who does miscellaneous work in or around a horse stable. Related forms British Dictionary definitions for Conakry Expand noun 1. the capital of Guinea, a port on the island of Tombo. Pop: 1 465 000 (2005 est) guinea 1. a British gold coin taken out of circulation in 1813, worth 21 shillings the sum of 21 shillings (£1.05), still used in some contexts, as in quoting professional fees 2. (US, slang, derogatory) an Italian or a person of Italian descent Word Origin C16: the coin was originally made of gold from Guinea Guinea noun 1. a republic in West Africa, on the Atlantic: established as the colony of French Guinea in 1890 and became an independent republic in 1958. Official language: French. Religion: Muslim majority and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Conakry. Pop: 11 176 026 (2013 est).

Area: 245 855 sq km (94 925 sq miles) 2. (formerly) the coastal region of West Africa, between Cape Verde and Namibe (formerly Moçâmedes; Angola): divided by a line of volcanic peaks into Upper Guinea (between The Gambia and Cameroon) and Lower Guinea (between Cameroon and S Angola) 3. Gulf of Guinea, a large inlet of the S Atlantic on the W coast of Africa, extending from Cape Palmas, Liberia, to Cape Lopez, Gabon: contains two large bays, the Bight of Bonny and the Bight of Benin, separated by the Niger delta Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for Conakry Expand guinea n.

former British coin, 1660s, from Guinea, region along the west coast of Africa, presumably from an African word (perhaps Tuareg aginaw "black people"); the 20-shilling coins so called because they were first minted for British trade with Guinea (but soon in domestic use) and with gold from Africa. The original guinea (in use from 1663 to 1813) was based on the value of gold and by 1695 it was worth 30 shillings. William III then fixed its value at 21 shillings, 6 pence in 1698. The extra 6 pence were lopped off in December 1717. The Guinea hen (1570s) is a domestic fowl imported from there.

Guinea "derogatory term for Italian" (1896) was originally Guinea Negro (1740s) and meant "black person, person of mixed ancestry." It was applied to Italians c.1890 probably because of their dark complexions relative to northern Europeans, and after 1911 was occasionally applied to Hispanics and Pacific Islanders as well. New Guinea was so named 1546 by Spanish explorer Inigo Ortiz de Retes in reference to the natives' dark skin and tightly curled hair. Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Guinea: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities Ebola Outbreak Kills Hundreds Geography Guinea, in West Africa on the Atlantic, is also bordered by Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Slightly smaller than Oregon, the country consists of a coastal plain, a mountainous region, a savanna interior, and a forest area in the Guinea Highlands. The highest peak is Mount Nimba at 5,748 ft (1,752 m). Government Republic.

History Beginning in 900, the Susu migrated from the north and began settling in the area that is now Guinea. The Susu civilization reached its height in the 13th century. Today the Susu make up about 20% of Guinea's population. From the 16th to the 19th century, the Fulani empire dominated the region. In 1849, the French claimed it as a protectorate. First called Rivières du Sud, the protectorate was rechristened French Guinea; finally, in 1895, it became part of French West Africa. Guinea achieved independence on Oct. 2, 1958, and became an independent state with Sékou Touré as president. Under Touré, the country was the first avowedly Marxist state in Africa. Diplomatic relations with France were suspended in 1965, with the Soviet Union replacing France as the country's chief source of economic and technical assistance. Conakry | national capital, Guinea | Britannica.com national capital, Guinea Guéckédou Conakry, also spelled Konakry, national capital, largest city, and chief Atlantic port, western Guinea .

Conakry lies on Tombo (Tumbo) Island and the Camayenne (Kaloum) Peninsula. Founded by the French in 1884, it derived its name from a local village inhabited by the Susu (Soussou) people. Subsequently it became capital of the protectorate of Rivières du Sud (1891), of the colony of French Guinea (1893), and of independent Guinea (1958). Tombo Island, the site of the original settlement, is linked to the peninsula by a 328-yard (300-metre) causeway; it contains Conakry’s deepwater harbour (accommodating vessels of 36-foot [11-metre] draft), which exports alumina (treated bauxite), bananas, oranges, pineapples, coffee, palm produce, and fish. The port is the terminus of motor roads, a 411-mile (661-km) railroad from Kankan , and a 90-mile (145-km) branchline from Fria. Guinea’s international airport is 9.5 miles (15 km) northeast.

Mosque in Conakry, Guinea. © trevkitt/Fotolia Conakry became industrialized in the 1950s with the development of iron mining on the Kaloum Peninsula and the exploitation of bauxite on the nearby Los Islands . Local enterprises include fruit canning, fish packing, printing, automobile assembly, and the manufacture of aluminum utensils and plastics. Major industrial plants, however, lie to the northeast at Sanouya (textiles), Wassawassa (tobacco and matches), Sofoniya (furniture), Kobala (bricks), Simbala (mining explosives), and Camp Alpha Yaya (shoes and clothing). Conakry is the nation’s educational centre and the seat of the University of Conakry (1962). There are also teacher-training, vocational, nursing, midwifery, and military schools. Conakry’s museum, library, and national archives were established in 1960; its botanical garden at Camayenne (a residential district) was founded by the French.

Prominent structures in the city include the National Assembly building (Palais du Peuple), the sports stadium (Stade du 28-Septembre), the monument to anticolonial martyrs , the central mosque, and the Roman Catholic cathedral. There are several distinct quarters, including the Centre (commercial), Boulbinet (with its picturesque fishing harbour), and Administrative sections. Pop. (2004 est.) 1,851,800. Learn More in these related articles: in Guinea Guinea country profile - BBC News BBC News Read more about sharing. Close share panel Guinea's mineral wealth makes it potentially one of Africa's richest countries, but its people are among the poorest in West Africa. Experiments with socialism and a two-year rule by junta have taken a toll on the people of Guinea. The 2010 election ushered in civilian rule but led to violent ethnic clashes, as well. In addition, hundreds of thousands of refugees from Liberia and Sierra Leone have strained Guinea's struggling economy. The instability has generated suspicion and ethnic tension - as well as mutual accusations between neighbours of attempts at destabilisation and border attacks.

Read more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring FACTS Area 245,857 sq km (94,926 sq miles) Languages French, Susu, Fulani, Mandingo Religions Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs Life expectancy 53 years (men), 56 years (women) Currency Guinean franc President: Alpha Conde Image copyright Getty Images Alpha Conde became president in 2010 after a lifelong battle against a series of despotic and military regimes which sent him into exile and prison. It was Guinea's first democratic election since gaining independence from France in 1958. However, the vote kindled ethnic tensions, as Mr Conde hails from the Malinke ethnic group, which makes up 35% of the population. The defeated, Cellou Dalein Diallo, is a member of the Peul ethnic group, to which 40% of Guineans belong. Mr Diallo has repeatedly accused the president of sidelining his constituents, including many Peul. Both allies and critics alike acknowledge his charisma and intelligence, but some also describe him as authoritarian and impulsive, someone who rarely listens to others and often acts alone.

His supporters however consider him untainted, a "new man" who has never had the opportunity to "participate in the looting of the country." He was elected for a second term in 2015. TIMELINE Some key dates in Guinea's history: Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Guinea's first president, Sekou Toure, was a leading figure in the drive to decolonise Africa 1891 - France declares Guinea to be a colony, separate from Senegal. 1958 - Guinea becomes independent, with Ahmed Sekou Toure as president. 2000 - Start of incursions by rebels in Guinea's border regions with Liberia and Sierra Leone which eventually claim more than 1,000 lives and cause massive population displacement. The government accuses Liberia, the Sierra Leonean United Revolutionary Front (RUF) rebel group, Burkina Faso and former Guinean army mutineers of trying to destabilise Guinea. 2003 - President Lansana Conte wins a third term in elections boycotted by the opposition. 2008 - President Lansana Conte dies. Military seizes power. The coup meets with international condemnation, but many Guineans back the army's move.

2010 - Alpha Conde declared winner of run-off presidential race. Emergency declared after clashes between security forces and supporters of defeated candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo. 2014 - Outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in southern Guinea. It spreads to Liberia and Sierra Leone, killing 11,300 people in two years. Image copyright Getty Images | Africa , Guinea , Liberia , Sierra Leone Four cases of infection by the deadly Ebola virus have been confirmed in Conakry, Guinea's Health Minister Remy Lamah said, marking the first confirmed spread of the disease from rural areas to West African state's capital. The minister said on Thursday that the virus appeared to have been transmitted by an old man who showed symptoms of haemorrhagic fever after visiting Dinguiraye in central Guinea, far from the identified outbreaks of Ebola in the remote southeast. Four of the man's brothers, who attended his funeral in the central town of Dabola, started to show the same symptoms and were tested for Ebola on their return to Conakry. "The four tested positive," Lamah told Reuters. "They have been placed in an isolation ward in Donka hospital." The man's family has also been quarantined, the minister said.

The spread of the disease to Conakry, a city of some 2 million people, marked an escalation in the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, which ranks as one of the poorest nations on earth despite rich deposits of bauxite and iron ore. As of Wednesday, 63 deaths had been reported from suspected cases of infections. Governments spooked Ebola had never spread among humans in West Africa before February but five deaths being investigated in Liberia, one in Sierra Leone and others still being tested could bring the total in the epidemic to above 70. The spread of Ebola, one of the most lethal infectious diseases known, has spooked nations with weak health care systems. In Guinea's southeast, home to all the confirmed cases, residents are avoiding large gatherings and prices in some markets have spiked as transporters avoid the area. Ebola was discovered in 1976 in then-Zaire, now Democratic Republic of Congo. Scientists have identified the outbreak in Guinea as the virulent Zaire strain of the virus. The virus causes a raging fever, headaches, muscle pain, conjunctivitis and weakness, before moving into more severe phases of causing vomiting, diarrhoea and unstoppable bleeding.

Source: Agencies Facts about Guinea Facts about Guinea Know Facts about World Countries Afghanistan Facts The Republic of Guinea is a country located in west Africa. What is the capital of Guinea? Conakry is the capital city of Guinea. With an estimated population of 1,548,500, Conakry is the largest city in the country. The city is the administrative, cultural, and financial center of the Republic of Guinea. What countries border Guinea? Guinea shares land boundaries with Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone. How big is Guinea? Guinea covers a total area of 94,926 square miles. The country has an estimated population of 10,057,975, as estimated in July 2009; it ranks as theeighty-first most-populated country in the world. What are the ethnic groups in Guinea? The ten million people of Guinea belong to twenty-four ethnic groups. The largest groups are the Fula 43%, Mandinka 35%, and Susu 20%.

There are communities of small ethnic groups including Kpelle, Kissi, Zialo, Toma and others. What are the administrative divisions of Guinea? Guinea is divided into eight administrative regions that are further divided into thirty-three prefectures. The major cities in the country include Labe, Nzerekore, Kankan, Kindia, Mamou, Boke, and Gueckedou. Who are the political leaders of Guinea? The government of Guinea is a presidential republic. President - Alpha Conde Prime Minister - Mohamed Said Fofana What currency is used in Guinea? The Guinean franc denoted by the ISO 4217 code GNF is the official currency of Guinea. The first Guinean franc was adopted as the national currency in 1959, replacing the CFA franc. What is the official language of Guinea? French is the official language of Guinea. Other dialects used in the country are Mandinka, Pular, and Susu. A unique "feet for sign language" is also used in the western areas of Guinea. This language is made effective by series of dances or by sitting on the ground and using one's feet effectively. What is the religion of Guinea?

Islam is the pre-dominant religion in Guinea followed by almost eighty-five percent of the population. There are Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Buddhists, Hindus and disciples of the Baha'i faith in Guinea as well. What is the economy of Guinea like? The per capita nominal GDP of Guinea in 2010 was estimated at $448. Guinea is rich in mineral resources and is home to twenty-five or more of the documented bauxite reserves of the world. Agriculture hires about eighty percent of the workforce of the country. The other minerals found in the country include gold and diamonds. Guinea has a tremendous prospect in hydroelectric energy. Other industries include beer processing plants, agricultural processing, diamond mining, and light manufacturing. Guinea is a major exporter of bauxite, gold, alumina, coffee, diamonds, agricultural products and fish. Petroleum products, machinery, metals, grain, textiles, and foodstuffs are the major imports. When is the national day of Guinea celebrated? The national day of the Republic of Guinea is celebrated on October 2 every year. On this day in 1958, the country got its independence from the French rule.

Ebola: Guinea outbreak reaches capital Conakry - BBC News BBC News Ebola: Guinea outbreak reaches capital Conakry 28 March 2014 Close share panel Image copyright AFP Image caption With two million people and limited healthcare resources in the city, the virus' appearance is worrying Guinea's government has for the first time confirmed cases of the deadly Ebola virus in the capital Conakry. Until now, the 66 confirmed deaths have only been in rural areas, although there have been suspected cases, which have since proved negative , in the capital. There have also been suspected cases in neighbouring West African states Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola is spread by close contact and kills between 25% and 90% of victims. Earlier this week, the health ministry banned the sale and consumption of bats, in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus. Fruit bats, which are a delicacy in the worst affected south-eastern region, are thought to be carriers of the disease. Health Minister Remy Lamah said the virus appeared to have been transmitted by an man who showed symptoms of haemorrhagic fever after visiting Dinguiraye in central Guinea, far from the identified outbreaks of Ebola in the remote south-east.

Four of the man's brothers, who attended his funeral in the central town of Dabola, started to show the same symptoms and were tested for Ebola on their return to Conakry. The four have been placed in an isolation ward and the dead man's family have also been quarantined, the minister said. The spread of the disease to Conakry, a city of some two million people, marks an escalation in the Ebola outbreak in Guinea - one of the poorest nations on earth, despite rich deposits of bauxite and iron ore. Image copyright Reuters Image caption Emergency medical supplies have been sent to the country to help it deal with the outbreak Image copyright Getty Images Image caption There is no cure or vaccine for the virus, but improved hygiene is thought to help control its spread Discovered in 1976 after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, then Zaire, Ebola causes a severe haemorrhagic fever where victims suffer vomiting, diarrhoea and both internal and external bleeding. If this virus spread between people more easily, it would probably be more deadly than the black plague Ben Neuman, Virologist, University of Reading Scientists have yet to develop an effective drug or vaccine to fight it.

Part of the problem is that the deadly virus is rare and its victims are often poor people living in rural areas of Africa without well-functioning health systems. But there is also little incentive for major pharmaceutical companies to invest in medical solutions when there is little chance of a return, analysts say. However, many health officials believe the virus could be better controlled with good basic hygiene and the eradication of dangerous bush meat consumption. The US government also funds some research, partly out of concern the virus could be used for bioterrorism. "Ebola virus is one of the deadliest killers known," said Ben Neuman, a virologist at Britain's University of Reading. "If this virus spread between people more easily, it would probably be more deadly than the black plague. Fortunately, up to this point, it has not," he added. Outbreaks of Ebola occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests, the World Health Organization says . Image copyright AFP Guinea - Republic of Guinea - Nations Online Project Location map of Guinea A virtual guide to Guinea, a country in the southwestern part of West Africa south of Guinea-Bissau , Senegal , and Mali .

It is also bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the east and southeast, by Liberia and Sierra Leone to the south, and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Guinea is largely a humid tropical country with four main geographic regions: the Basse Coté, the coastal lowlands of Maritime Guinea, the Fouta Djallon, a highland region of Central-Guinea, the headwaters of the Niger, the Gambia River, and the Senegal River. To the northeast of the country is the dry Sahelian Haute-Guinea, and in the southeast the Guinée forestière (Forested Guinea) with its tropical rain forests. With an area of 245,857 km² (94,926 sq mi), Guinea is about the size of the United Kingdom , or slightly smaller than the US state of Michigan. The country has a population of 10.6 million (in 2015). Capital city is Conakry , Spoken languages are French (official), and eight national languages.

keywords: Guinea information, Guinea news papers, tourist information for Guinea, Guinea map Republic of Guinea | République de Guinee Country Profile Background: Independent from France since 1958, Guinea did not hold democratic elections until 1993 when Gen. Lansana CONTE (head of the military government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was reelected in 1998 and again in 2003, though all the polls were marred by irregularities. History repeated itself in December 2008 when following President CONTE's death, Capt. Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seizing power and suspending the constitution as well as political and union activity. Guinea has maintained some semblance of internal stability despite spillover effects from conflict in Sierra Leone and Liberia. As those countries have rebuilt, however, Guinea's own vulnerability to political and economic crisis has increased. Declining economic conditions and popular dissatisfaction with corruption and bad governance prompted two massive strikes in 2006, and a third nationwide strike in early 2007. Guinea possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural resources, yet remains an underdeveloped nation.

The country possesses over 30% of the world's bauxite reserves and is the second largest bauxite producer. Long-run improvements in government fiscal arrangements, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if the country is to move out of poverty. (Source: CIA - The World Factbook) Capital City: Conakry (pop. 1.5 million). Other Cities: Guéckédou (pop. 350 000), Boké (pop. 300 000), Kindia (pop. 280 000), N'Zérékoré (pop. 300 000), Macenta (pop. 280 000), Mamou, Kankan (270 000), Labe (250 000). Government: Type: Military regime. Independence: 2 October 1958. Anniversary of the Second Republic, 3 April 1984. In December 2008 following President CONTE's death, Capt. Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup to seiz power. He suspended the constitution as well as political and union activity.

Geography: Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. Area : 245,860 sq. km. (95,000 sq. mi.) Terrain: Generally flat along the coast and mountainous in the interior. The country's four geographic regions include a narrow coastal belt; pastoral highlands (the source of West Africa's major rivers); the northern savanna; and the southeastern rain forest. Climate: Tropical. Generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with a northeasterly Harmattan, a dry and dusty West African trade wind.. People: Nationality: Noun and adjective--Guinean(s) Population : 10.6 million (2015) Ethnic groups: Fulani 40.3%; Malinke 25.8%; Susu 11.0%; Kissi 6.5%; Kpelle 4.8%, other ethnic groups 11.6%. Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, traditional beliefs 7%.

Languages : French (official); Eight national languages, Soussou (Susu, in coastal Guinea), Peulh (Fulani, in Northrn Guinea), Maninka (Upper Guinea), Kissi (Kissidougou Region), Toma and Guerze (Kpelle) in rain forest Guinea; plus various ethnic groups with their own language. Literacy: 28% to 35%. Natural resources: Bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, water power, uranium, fisheries. Agriculture products: Rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca), bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber. Industries: Bauxite, gold, diamonds; alumina refining; light manufacturing and agricultural processing industries.

Exports - commodities: bauxite, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural products Exports - partners: India 22.5%, Spain 8.2%, Ireland 7.3%, Germany 6.2%, Belgium 5.5%, Ukraine 5.3%, France 4.1% (2015) Imports - commodities: petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment, textiles, grain and other foodstuffs Imports - partners: China 20.4%, Netherlands 5.4%, India 4.4% (2015) Currency: Guinea Franc (GNF) Note: External links will open in a new browser window. Official Sites of Guinea West Africa: Conakry hosts Festival de Guinée, 1st International Heritage and Culture Festival REPUBLIC OF GUINEA EAGERLY WELCOMES TOURISM by Helen C. Broadus Guinea, a country in West Africa with vast tourism potential, has shaped African history while conserving its uniquely distinct image. During the African Middle Ages, Guinea was the center of birth, the extension, and the successions of the grand West African empires.

Guinea, always protective of it's liberty, was the last country to be colonized in West Africa and the first to regain its independence on October 2, 1958. In May of 2002, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Conakry, Guinea as a delegate to the Africa Travel Association's (ATA) 27th Annual International Congress. Overall, it was truly a fantastic experience for everyone that attended the ATA Congress, especially since this was the first time that the ATA organization had the opportunity to visit Guinea. The theme of this ATA Congress was "Nature-Culture-Hospitality", which was most appropriate for this venue. The Novotel's Grand Hotel de L'Independence served as the ATA Congress headquarters hotel offering a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Other major hotels include the Meridien and Sabena along with several private hotels offering quality services. My overall impression from my visit is that Guinea is truly a "melting pot" of ethnic groups with immense cultural diversity, which was a key attraction to ATA's membership. Our utmost congratulations to Madame Sylla Hadja Koumba Diakite, Minister of Tourism, Hotels and Handicrafts; Mr.

Ibrahima Diallo, Director General, National Office of Tourism; and all of the members of the travel and tourism industry of the Republic of Guinea who worked so very hard to truly make this travel and tourism conference a complete success. Conakry, the Capital City of Guinea with a population of slightly more than one million, is a bustling port city on the Atlantic Ocean full of sights and sounds for both the curious and the adventurous. In 2000, tourism accounted for an estimated 100,000 tourists visiting Guinea for approximately six million dollars. While the travel and tourism industry is just beginning to emerge in Guinea, there is tremendous opportunity for growth and development. Consequently, the Government of Guinea is eager to build up its capacity to encourage many more people to visit the country to experience the wide diversity of adventure tourism, cultural tourism, and eco-tourism attractions that it has to offer. Part of UNESCO's historic "Slave Route", Guinea was the first African country to benefit from the program of rebuilding the historic sites on the slave route. On Host Country Day, ATA delegates had the opportunity to discover Guinea's "Unspoiled Africa".

The full day tour, sponsored by the private sector, the Office of Promotion of Private Investment, took everyone on a scenic tour to Kindia, including a visit to Konkoure Falls with a festive luncheon at a private ranch belonging to the sponsor of the Host Day Program, El Hadj Mamadou Sylla. Here we also witnessed a marvel of nature made from two waterfalls known as the "Bride Veil" which attests to its natural charm creating a veil of water of exceptional beauty and whiteness. Guinea, as stated earlier, is truly renowned for artistic and cultural diversity as exemplified by songs, dances and traditions. The highlight of the congress was viewing a special performance at an evening gala dinner featuring the Republic of Guinea's world renowned National Dance Company - Les Ballets Africains. As star entertainers and ambassadors of goodwill they are universally recognized as Africa's foremost touring dance company. Les Ballets Africains has been touring the world for more than fifty years presenting its inimitable blend of traditional dance, music and storytelling, laced with superb demonstrations of spectacle, acrobatics, comedy and drama. It was truly a remarkable performance, full of stunning energy and outstanding entertainment that left everyone truly amazed.

Guinea also exhibits an excellent opportunity toward the three emerging niche markets of African tourism, namely eco-tourism, adventure tourism and cultural tourism. There are four distinct areas designated by relief, climate, flora and fauna, which are reflected in Guinea's rich history and traditions as follows: (a) Lower Guinea &endash; which stretches along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline as well as the mountains of Fouta Djalon. It is a region of lush vegetation, dense forests with giant trees as well as mangrove swamps and coconut palms; (b) Offshore Islands &endash; consisting of idyllic scenery with miles of pristine sandy beaches and rivers with broad estuaries. With easy access by boat, these islands offer warm gentle breezes on beautiful white sandy beaches for relaxation and recreational activities; (c) Middle Guinea &endash; which is made up of large mountains and high plateaus, plus a temperate climate which, has earned the area the title "Switzerland of Africa". It is also known as the "Water Tower" of western Africa because of the many rivers that originates in this region.

These flowing rivers and churning rapids, hurtling down the mountains create beautiful waterfalls; (d) Upper Guinea &endash; which includes plateaus with vegetation and wooded savannahs with a dry climate. Guinea is also known as West Africa's "water reservoir". The particular feature of the Fouta Djalon mountain range is that it is the source of and feeds, an extraordinary number of rivers. The Tinkisso rises to the north of Oure-Kaba, and flows towards the Niger, which it meets at Siguiri. The same goes for the Senegal, created by the confluence of the Bafing and the Bakoye, and the Faleme, which meets the Senegal several hundred kilometers downstream, where the borders of Mali, Senegal and Mauritania all converge. The Rivers Cogon, Colente, Fatala and Konkoure, which all flow more rapidly into the Atlantic Ocean, once earned the region the nickname of "Land of Southern Rivers". Thanks to this major river system, Guinea has the largest hydroelectric reserves (6,600 MWh) in all of West Africa.

Guinea, geographically situated on the West Coast of Africa, is bordered on the northwest by Guinea-Bissau and Senegal, on the northeast by Mali, on the east by Cote D'Ivoire, on the southeast by Liberia and Sierra Leone and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Guinea is a land of approximately 235,857 square miles with three natural regions: swampy coastal plains along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, the extensive and rugged Fouta Djalon mountain range which is crisscrossed by deep valleys, and the huge plains to the east. With its pleasant climate, varied topography, abundant flora and fauna, Guinea is a true representation of Western Africa. Guinea has a tropical climate with regular and abundant rainfall, as well as a plentiful and well-balanced hydrographic system. The dry season is from November to May and the rainy season is from May to November and the climate changes with the altitude of the country. The principal languages are French, which is the official language, along with Malinke, Fulani and Soussou. Conakry-Gbessia is the name of the international airport and Air Guinea is the national airline.

The currency is the Guinean Franc (GNF) and 100 GNF = $0.075. With a population of seven million, the people of Guinea are 90% Muslim and almost 70% of the population lives in rural areas. The economy of Guinea is primarily based on the mining industry representing 35% of GDP with bauxite (it is the world's number two producer), iron ore, gold and diamond mining. Agriculture and forestry represent 28% of the GDP with timber, subsistence crops, livestock and fishing as the major industry sectors. In conclusion, while Guinea is still relatively unknown to the majority of travelers for historic reasons, a visit to Guinea has the potential to offer all that can be expected and much more of an African tour. Often fondly referred to as "the Promised Land of Africa", Guinea is a land full of coastlines sprinkled with splendid beaches, luxurious forests, grand rivers, welcoming mountains and game-filled savannahs, coupled with wonderful people encompassing a rich and varied culture of dancing, music, fashions and handicrafts in their villages and marketplaces.

In my opinion, both first time visitors and experienced travelers to Guinea will be thrilled at the multitude of choices available. For more information about visiting Guinea, please contact Helen C. Broadus Toll-Free at 1-877-TO-VENUE [(301) 856-9188] or send me an e-mail at vipinc@erols.com. About the author: Helen C. Broadus is the President of Venue International Professionals, Inc. (VIP) &endash; an African-American owned full service travel and tourism company based in the Washington Metropolitan Area. VIP specializes in providing escorted and customized travel and tourism packages for individuals and groups interested in visiting the African continent. She is also the Executive Secretary of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) and has conducted numerous travel and tourism programs to more than twenty countries in Africa over the past ten years. REPUBLIC OF GUINEA: EAGERLY WELCOMES TOURISM By Helen C. Broadus Guinea, a country in West Africa with vast tourism potential, has shaped African history while conserving its uniquely distinct image. During the African Middle Ages, Guinea was the center of birth, the extension, and the successions of the grand West African empires.

Guinea, always protective of it's liberty, was the last country to be colonized in West Africa and the first to regain its independence on October 2, 1958. In May of 2002, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Conakry, Guinea as a delegate to the Africa Travel Association's (ATA) 27th Annual International Congress. Overall, it was truly a fantastic experience for everyone that attended the ATA Congress, especially since this was the first time that the ATA organization had the opportunity to visit Guinea. The theme of this ATA Congress was "Nature-Culture-Hospitality", which was most appropriate for this venue. The Novotel's Grand Hotel de L'Independence served as the ATA Congress headquarters hotel offering a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Other major hotels include the Meridien and Sabena along with several private hotels offering quality services. My overall impression from my visit is that Guinea is truly a "melting pot" of ethnic groups with immense cultural diversity, which was a key attraction to ATA's membership. Our utmost congratulations to Madame Sylla Hadja Koumba Diakite, Minister of Tourism, Hotels and Handicrafts; Mr.

Ibrahima Diallo, Director General, National Office of Tourism; and all of the members of the travel and tourism industry of the Republic of Guinea who worked so very hard to truly make this travel and tourism conference a complete success. Conakry, the Capital City of Guinea with a population of slightly more than one million, is a bustling port city on the Atlantic Ocean full of sights and sounds for both the curious and the adventurous. In 2000, tourism accounted for an estimated 100,000 tourists visiting Guinea for approximately six million dollars. While the travel and tourism industry is just beginning to emerge in Guinea, there is tremendous opportunity for growth and development. Consequently, the Government of Guinea is eager to build up its capacity to encourage many more people to visit the country to experience the wide diversity of adventure tourism, cultural tourism, and eco-tourism attractions that it has to offer. Part of UNESCO's historic "Slave Route", Guinea was the first African country to benefit from the program of rebuilding the historic sites on the slave route. On Host Country Day, ATA delegates had the opportunity to discover Guinea's "Unspoiled Africa".

The full day tour, sponsored by the private sector, the Office of Promotion of Private Investment, took everyone on a scenic tour to Kindia, including a visit to Konkoure Falls with a festive luncheon at a private ranch belonging to the sponsor of the Host Day Program, El Hadj Mamadou Sylla. Here we also witnessed a marvel of nature made from two waterfalls known as the "Bride Veil" which attests to its natural charm creating a veil of water of exceptional beauty and whiteness. Guinea, as stated earlier, is truly renowned for artistic and cultural diversity as exemplified by songs, dances and traditions. The highlight of the congress was viewing a special performance at an evening gala dinner featuring the Republic of Guinea's world renowned National Dance Company - Les Ballets Africains. As star entertainers and ambassadors of goodwill they are universally recognized as Africa's foremost touring dance company. Les Ballets Africains has been touring the world for more than fifty years presenting its inimitable blend of traditional dance, music and storytelling, laced with superb demonstrations of spectacle, acrobatics, comedy and drama. It was truly a remarkable performance, full of stunning energy and outstanding entertainment that left everyone truly amazed.

Guinea also exhibits an excellent opportunity toward the three emerging niche markets of African tourism, namely eco-tourism, adventure tourism and cultural tourism. There are four distinct areas designated by relief, climate, flora and fauna, which are reflected in Guinea's rich history and traditions as follows: (a) Lower Guinea &endash; which stretches along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline as well as the mountains of Fouta Djalon. It is a region of lush vegetation, dense forests with giant trees as well as mangrove swamps and coconut palms; (b) Offshore Islands &endash; consisting of idyllic scenery with miles of pristine sandy beaches and rivers with broad estuaries. With easy access by boat, these islands offer warm gentle breezes on beautiful white sandy beaches for relaxation and recreational activities; (c) Middle Guinea &endash; which is made up of large mountains and high plateaus, plus a temperate climate which, has earned the area the title "Switzerland of Africa". It is also known as the "Water Tower" of western Africa because of the many rivers that originates in this region.

These flowing rivers and churning rapids, hurtling down the mountains create beautiful waterfalls; (d) Upper Guinea &endash; which includes plateaus with vegetation and wooded savannahs with a dry climate. Guinea is also known as West Africa's "water reservoir". The particular feature of the Fouta Djalon mountain range is that it is the source of and feeds, an extraordinary number of rivers. The Tinkisso rises to the north of Oure-Kaba, and flows towards the Niger, which it meets at Siguiri. The same goes for the Senegal, created by the confluence of the Bafing and the Bakoye, and the Faleme, which meets the Senegal several hundred kilometers downstream, where the borders of Mali, Senegal and Mauritania all converge. The Rivers Cogon, Colente, Fatala and Konkoure, which all flow more rapidly into the Atlantic Ocean, once earned the region the nickname of "Land of Southern Rivers". Thanks to this major river system, Guinea has the largest hydroelectric reserves (6,600 MWh) in all of West Africa.

Guinea, geographically situated on the West Coast of Africa, is bordered on the northwest by Guinea-Bissau and Senegal, on the northeast by Mali, on the east by Cote D'Ivoire, on the southeast by Liberia and Sierra Leone and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Guinea is a land of approximately 235,857 square miles with three natural regions: swampy coastal plains along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, the extensive and rugged Fouta Djalon mountain range which is crisscrossed by deep valleys, and the huge plains to the east. With its pleasant climate, varied topography, abundant flora and fauna, Guinea is a true representation of Western Africa. Guinea has a tropical climate with regular and abundant rainfall, as well as a plentiful and well-balanced hydrographic system. The dry season is from November to May and the rainy season is from May to November and the climate changes with the altitude of the country. The principal languages are French, which is the official language, along with Malinke, Fulani and Soussou. Conakry-Gbessia is the name of the international airport and Air Guinea is the national airline.

The currency is the Guinean Franc (GNF) and 100 GNF = $0.075. With a population of seven million, the people of Guinea are 90% Muslim and almost 70% of the population lives in rural areas. The economy of Guinea is primarily based on the mining industry representing 35% of GDP with bauxite (it is the world's number two producer), iron ore, gold and diamond mining. Agriculture and forestry represent 28% of the GDP with timber, subsistence crops, livestock and fishing as the major industry sectors. In conclusion, while Guinea is still relatively unknown to the majority of travelers for historic reasons, a visit to Guinea has the potential to offer all that can be expected and much more of an African tour. Often fondly referred to as "the Promised Land of Africa", Guinea is a land full of coastlines sprinkled with splendid beaches, luxurious forests, grand rivers, welcoming mountains and game-filled savannahs, coupled with wonderful people encompassing a rich and varied culture of dancing, music, fashions and handicrafts in their villages and marketplaces.

In my opinion, both first time visitors and experienced travelers to Guinea will be thrilled at the multitude of choices available. For more information about visiting Guinea, please contact Helen C. Broadus Toll-Free at 1-877-TO-VENUE [(301) 856-9188] or send me an e-mail at vipinc@erols.com. About the author: Helen C. Broadus is the President of Venue International Professionals, Inc. (VIP) &endash; an African-American owned full service travel and tourism company based in the Washington Metropolitan Area. VIP specializes in providing escorted and customized travel and tourism packages for individuals and groups interested in visiting the African continent. She is also the Executive Secretary of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) and has conducted numerous travel and tourism programs to more than twenty countries in Africa over the past ten years.

Question: Conakry is the capital of which West African Republic?
Answer: THE REPUBLIC OF GUINEA